What Are the Early Signs of a Decaying Tooth?

You will have an easier time preserving and protecting your teeth if you can identify the early stages of tooth decay. Our dentists at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA want to help you understand some of the most common early signs of a weakening tooth so you can receive the necessary treatment before things become worse. Here are a few signs to watch for that may indicate tooth decay.

Sensitivity

You may notice sensitivity in a tooth as it starts to decay. As the enamel on your tooth starts to weaken, the dentin on the inside will become exposed. The dentin is the hard tissue that contains nerves and cells that respond to stimuli more than the enamel.

Exposed dentin will produce uncomfortable situations around the tooth when it comes in contact with hot, cold, or acidic conditions. The irritation you’ll develop can be bothersome and hard to manage.

Tooth Pain

You may also notice pains in some teeth. The pain may occur after eating or applying pressure over the tooth. Sometimes, the irritation will appear at random.

The pain is a sign you might have a cavity in the tooth. The tooth will start decaying at this point, and you will require a filling in the cavity to prevent the issue from becoming worse. The area inside the hole will also need cleaning to remove bacteria that could cause the cavity to grow further.

Noticeable changes in the tooth’s appearance

One of the more common signs our dentists at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA often see in decaying teeth entails small holes or pits. These appear as spots where the tooth has a different color from the rest of the space. You might notice this when you run your tongue over the tooth, and you spot a slight indentation.

Sometimes, the spot or other issue will worsen to where you’ll experience further sensitivity or pain in the tooth. The problem can be worse if the hole or pit appears in a spot between the teeth that you cannot easily reach. A dental exam can help identify these problems and see what areas require treatment sooner.

How can this problem be treated?

These signs of early tooth decay are painful and can lead to tooth loss if not treated soon enough. Our dentists can help you resolve these problems through a thorough dental cleaning.

A dental cleaning can help remove plaque, tartar, and other items from your teeth. You are recommended to receive two dental cleanings every year for your protection. Some fillings may also be necessary for some openings.

Learn about how we can serve your dental needs in Lancaster, PA

The pains and other problems you experience due to tooth decay can be bothersome, but you can prevent these problems from becoming worse if you contact us for help. Our team approach at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA will serve your dental cleaning needs to help stop tooth decay in its early stages. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how we can suit your needs and prevent decay from being a threat.